Notebook: Gators in all-star games

Published: Thursday, January 10, 2013 at 5:18 p.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, January 10, 2013 at 5:18 p.m.

Florida will be well represented in the postseason football all-star games. Eight former Gators have been invited to three different games.

Middle linebacker Jon Bostic, tailback Mike Gillislee and offensive tackle Xavier Nixon are playing in the prestigious Senior Bowl on Jan. 26 in Mobile, Ala. The game draws hundreds of NFL coaches and scouts, and will give Bostic, Gillislee and Nixon a chance to possibly improve their draft status.

Three former Gators — safety Josh Evans, outside linebacker Lerentee McCray and kicker Caleb Sturgis — are playing in the East-West Shrine Game in St. Petersburg on Jan. 19.

Wide receiver Frankie Hammond Jr. and wide receiver/tight end/running back Omarius Hines will be in action tonight in the Casino Del Sol College All-Star Game in Tucson, Ariz.

Ball was diagnosed with a rare brain condition known as arteriovenous malformation in the spring of 2010 and missed the 2010 season. Ball returned to the team and played in 11 games this season after undergoing numerous surgeries and a lengthy recovery.

The winner of the award will be determined by online voting that began this past Monday and ends Jan. 31. The winner will be announced on Feb. 1. To vote on the award, go to www.upliftingathletes.org/vote.

The award is presented annually to recognize a leader in college football who has made a positive and lasting impact on the rare disease community.

Big trophy for Christy

Sophomore Kyle Christy was awarded the College Football Performance Awards Punter Trophy during the first half of UF's basketball game against Georgia on Wednesday night.

Christy was a Ray Guy Award finalists after leading the SEC in punting this season with a 45.8-yard average. He finished fifth in the nation in punting.

CFPA awards are given based upon objective scientific rankings of the extent to which individual players increase the overall effectiveness of their team.

Season tickets go on sale

UF announced Wednesday that it is now accepting 2013 season ticket order from all current season ticket holders and anyone interested in purchasing season tickets.

The deadline to order season tickets is April 9. If paid in full by the early deadline of Feb. 15, there will be an early pay bonus of 25 priority points added to your booster account.

Also, for the first time, UF has established a football payment plan where fans have the opportunity to spread out their football payments over a fourth-month period.

To order season tickets and check out all the seating options, go to www.Gatorzone.com/tickets or call the UF ticket office at (352) 375-4683, ext. 6800.

<p>Florida will be well represented in the postseason football all-star games. Eight former Gators have been invited to three different games.</p><p>Middle linebacker Jon Bostic, tailback Mike Gillislee and offensive tackle Xavier Nixon are playing in the prestigious Senior Bowl on Jan. 26 in Mobile, Ala. The game draws hundreds of NFL coaches and scouts, and will give Bostic, Gillislee and Nixon a chance to possibly improve their draft status.</p><p>Three former Gators — safety Josh Evans, outside linebacker Lerentee McCray and kicker Caleb Sturgis — are playing in the East-West Shrine Game in St. Petersburg on Jan. 19.</p><p>Wide receiver Frankie Hammond Jr. and wide receiver/tight end/running back Omarius Hines will be in action tonight in the Casino Del Sol College All-Star Game in Tucson, Ariz.</p><p><b>Ball finalist for award</b></p><p>Sophomore linebacker Neiron Ball is one of seven finalists for the Uplifting Athletes Rare Disease Champion Award.</p><p>Ball was diagnosed with a rare brain condition known as arteriovenous malformation in the spring of 2010 and missed the 2010 season. Ball returned to the team and played in 11 games this season after undergoing numerous surgeries and a lengthy recovery.</p><p>The winner of the award will be determined by online voting that began this past Monday and ends Jan. 31. The winner will be announced on Feb. 1. To vote on the award, go to www.upliftingathletes.org/vote.</p><p>The award is presented annually to recognize a leader in college football who has made a positive and lasting impact on the rare disease community.</p><p><b>Big trophy for Christy</b></p><p>Sophomore Kyle Christy was awarded the College Football Performance Awards Punter Trophy during the first half of UF's basketball game against Georgia on Wednesday night.</p><p>Christy was a Ray Guy Award finalists after leading the SEC in punting this season with a 45.8-yard average. He finished fifth in the nation in punting.</p><p>CFPA awards are given based upon objective scientific rankings of the extent to which individual players increase the overall effectiveness of their team.</p><p><b>Season tickets go on sale</b></p><p>UF announced Wednesday that it is now accepting 2013 season ticket order from all current season ticket holders and anyone interested in purchasing season tickets.</p><p>The deadline to order season tickets is April 9. If paid in full by the early deadline of Feb. 15, there will be an early pay bonus of 25 priority points added to your booster account.</p><p>Also, for the first time, UF has established a football payment plan where fans have the opportunity to spread out their football payments over a fourth-month period.</p><p>To order season tickets and check out all the seating options, go to www.Gatorzone.com/tickets or call the UF ticket office at (352) 375-4683, ext. 6800.</p>